Integrating broody raised bantam chicks into standard flock

[cynesthesia]

My standard Welbar (or Welsummer) hen just hatched 7/7 bantam eggs made by my mille fleur D'uccle hen x blue silkie roo. She has been a great mom so far, except for occasionally accidentally stepping on the chicks. I was worried about the 1 week staggered hatch since it was her first time broody, but she was great!

For the first 1.5 weeks, I kept them in the nesting box and them moved them onto the coop's floor in a small dog kennel. That way the rest of the flock can see them. The chicks have sometimes escaped away from the broody and then cried XD. Luckily, the rest of the flock didn't care much for the chicks when separated from the broody.

My question is: When would the chicks be able to be with the rest of the flock without the kennel? Since they will grow up small.

 

[RubelliteRose]

I just had 2 broodys hatch chicks and never had them separated. The first broody kept everyone away from her chicks for a week before allowing the rest of the flock to come near. Now, at 2 1/2 weeks, they feel free to mingle with the flock(but still in mom's presence). My second broody started allowing some flock members near her chicks at 3 days old. None of the other flock members have tried to harm the chicks

 

[ValarieF]

As long as they are with momma hen they will be ok. Also it is ok to switch the whole flock over to starter feed until the babies grow and lay or are 20 weeks whichever comes first it wont hurt the hens. Keep oyster shell out for the hens. Yes its ok for the roosters too. Also you will need chick grit. Congradulations!

 

[cynesthesia]

Thanks! I will try to see how they are together tomorrow.